Mammographic Performance in a Population-based Screening Program: Before, During, and after the Transition from Screen-Film to Full-Field Digital Mammography

After the initial transitional phase from screen-film mammography (SFM) to full-field digital mammography (FFDM), population-based screening with FFDM is associated with less harm due to lower recall and biopsy rates and higher positive predictive values after biopsy than screen­ing with SFM, new research shows.

Solveig Hofvind, Ph.D., of the Cancer Registry of Norway, Oslo, and colleagues analyzed anonymized data for women aged 50–69 years enrolled in the Norwegian Breast Cancer Screen­ing Program from 1996 to 2010. A total of 1,837,360 NBCSP screening exams were performed during the study period; 58.8 years was the average age at the time of screening.

The overall recall rate was 3.4 percent for SFM and 2.9 percent for FFDM. The biopsy rate was 1.4 percent for SFM and 1.1 percent for FFDM.

Both the rate of invasive screening-detected and interval breast cancer remained stable during the transition from SFM to FFDM and after FFDM was firmly established. The positive predictive value of recalled examinations and of biopsy procedures increased from 19.3 percent and 48.3 percent to 22.7 percent and 57.5 percent, respectively, after adoption of FFDM.

Media Coverage of RSNA

In March, 353 RSNA-related news stories were tracked in the media. These stories reached an estimated 117 million people.

June Public Information Outreach Activities Focus on Men’s Health and more

In recognition of Men’s Health Awareness Month in June, RSNA is distributing public service announcements (PSAs) focusing on abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), the third leading cause of death for men over age 60.

The RSNA “60-Second Checkup” audio program will be distributed to nearly 100 radio stations across the U.S. June segments will focus on improving doctor/patient communications.